"Actually, Mu Zhan isn't bad. I heard he went to the frontier and swore that he wouldn't return to the capital until he reached the rank of Da Dou Shi. He even boldly declared that anyone who dares to touch miss Ya Fei, he'll deal with them personally. Though he's a bit domineering, his talent and background are among the best in the capital."
Nalan Yanran was slightly surprised but didn't question it much. With Mu Zhan's abilities, being paired with Ya Fei, who doesn't possess much talent, would be more than acceptable.
After all, Ya Fei had repeatedly rejected his advances and even fled from the capital at one point.
But in aristocratic families, true freedom was always elusive. Whether due to family pressure or personal reasons, Ya Fei marrying Mu Zhan would be a wise choice.
"Hehe, enough about me. What brings you here today, Yanran? Are you hoping I can help auction something?"
A subtle look of disdain flashed in Ya Fei's beautiful eyes before quickly shifting her gaze to Gu Changqing, who remained expressionless. Not missing a beat, she redirected the conversation.
"Mhm, I'm just accompanying him."
Nalan Yanran glanced at Gu Changqing beside her.
"Changqing, is there something specific you want to buy?"
Ya Fei's gaze shifted to Gu Changqing, her smile soft yet curious.
"I want to buy you, Sister Fei. I want to take you home."
Gu Changqing looked earnestly at Ya Fei, who was all smiles and charm, his expression utterly serious.
"You cheeky rascal, you're getting greedy~~"
Ya Fei playfully tapped Gu Changqing on the forehead.
"I knew you'd say no. As they say, 'From ancient times, unrequited love leaves only regret, and the sweetest dreams are the quickest to wake.' Since that's the case, I might as well leave this place of heartache. Ya Fei, please prepare some provisions for my long journey."
Gu Changqing said with a hint of regret, his face etched with sorrow.
Seeing Gu Changqing's forlorn expression, even knowing he might be faking it, Ya Fei couldn't help but feel a pang of panic. Hurriedly, she asked:
"Changqing, are you really leaving Wu Tan City? Where will you go?"
"I'll roam the world, a wanderer with no destination."
Gu Changqing replied, his tone resolute.
"You're serious about leaving?"
Ya Fei's voice trembled slightly. At that moment, she realized how much she'd grown attached to this mischievous boy, filled with an unexpected reluctance to see him go.
"Pfft!"
" Miss Ya Fei, he's tricking you! He just wants to go on a trip and came to you for supplies."
Nalan Yanran couldn't hold back her laughter, exposing Gu Changqing's true intentions.
"You rascal! How dare you tease your sister! You deserve a good lesson!"
Ya Fei froze for a moment, then, realizing the truth, blushed in frustration. She lunged forward, grabbing Gu Changqing's cheeks and playfully pinching them in mock anger.
Perhaps in her fluster, she threw herself into Gu Changqing's arms as she exacted her playful revenge.
After a long moment, Ya Fei finally let out a sigh and released Gu Changqing.
"You little devil, where do you plan to wander? Aren't you still too young? Isn't it dangerous?"
Ya Fei, still slightly breathless, returned to her seat. Her ample chest rose and fell as she looked at him with concern.
"Sister Fei, I'm not that young anymore. Pretty soon, I'll be able to take you home as my bride. I'm just going on a trip, not out to seek battles. It's not dangerous."
Gu Changqing puffed out his chest, rubbing the reddened cheeks Ya Fei had pinched.
"Isn't that the same thing, you little troublemaker? It hurt, didn't it?"
Ya Fei teased, before deftly removing a small ointment bottle from her ring. Dipping her fingers lightly into the balm, she moved forward again to apply it tenderly to Gu Changqing's cheeks.
Gu Changqing sighed and said, "Sister Fei, you're playing both the villain and the hero here. I don't even know what to say anymore."
"You little rascal, just answer me, will you~~"
Ya Fei lightly pressed her delicate finger against his cheek again, feigning irritation.
"Uh, miss Ya Fei, Changqing, maybe I should step out?"
Nalan Yanran, watching the two, shifted uncomfortably in her seat, feeling like she was witnessing something she shouldn't. These two are definitely not just siblings—there's no way!
"You cheeky thing! Go on, apply the ointment yourself before Yanran gets the wrong idea."
Ya Fei's cheeks turned a rosy pink as she hastily smeared the balm onto Gu Changqing's face and withdrew.
"Where exactly do you plan to wander? And for how long?"
Now seated again, Ya Fei glanced at Gu Changqing with genuine curiosity.
"Just within the Jia Ma Empire. I don't know how long I'll be gone, so prepare about three months' worth of supplies for now."
Gu Changqing, now applying the balm himself, replied nonchalantly.
"Alright, I'll have everything ready for you by tonight. You can pick it up tomorrow."
Ya Fei nodded, clapping her hands together, as if making the decision final.
"Thanks, Ya Fei. You can deduct the cost from this card."
With a flick of his fingers, a five-patterned purple-gold card materialized in Gu Changqing's hand before flying toward Ya Fei.
Ya Fei's expression darkened slightly as she snapped back, "You rascal, are you trying to treat me like an outsider now? If that's how it's going to be, then don't bother coming to see me again!"
Despite her words, she caught the card, her posture making it seem like she was ending their relationship on a transactional note.
"Please, sister Fei, don't scare me. I'm just worried I'll be draining your dowry!"
Gu Changqing chuckled, shaking his head.
"Hmph, no matter how you try to talk your way out of it, you're still a cheeky devil. By the way, a five-patterned purple-gold card? You need at least the rank of Dou Ling to apply for one of these. I'm curious, just what kind of background do you have, being a mere Dou Zhe and carrying a card like this?"
Ya Fei's slender fingers twirled the card dexterously, like a fish darting between her hands.
Nalan Yanran, too, was taken aback. Clearly, Gu Changqing was far more complicated than she initially thought. Even she, with her status, wasn't qualified to possess such a card.
"How about this: You tell me a secret, and I'll reveal my background. Fair trade, right?"
A mischievous grin crept onto Gu Changqing's face as he stared at Ya Fei's stunning, seductive figure.
"And what secret does this little rascal want to know?"
Ya Fei internally rolled her eyes, knowing full well that Gu Changqing was up to no good again. Still, she was curious about what trick he had up his sleeve.
"Sister Fei, what are your measurements?"
Gu Changqing's eyes swept over her body briefly before he asked with a teasing smile.
"Measurements? What's that?"
Both Ya Fei and Nalan Yanran looked puzzled. The term was unfamiliar to them.
"You know, your bust, waist, and hip sizes. Can I wrap my hands around them?"
Gu Changqing mimicked the motion with his hands, making suggestive gestures.
"Pfft! You naughty brat! I knew it! You're always up to no good!"
Ya Fei's face flushed with embarrassment, her voice filled with playful indignation.
Nalan Yanran, on the other hand, quickly crossed her arms over her chest, glaring at Gu Changqing in a mix of shame and anger. This little scoundrel! How could he be such a pervert despite looking so innocent?
Despite her mock anger, Ya Fei couldn't deny that teasing exchanges with the mischievous boy always left her feeling inexplicably relaxed.